The laser reference tool of the invention consists of a base that can be releasably mounted to a surface. A housing is mounted on the base such that it can be repositioned relative to the base in a direction parallel to the surface. A turret carrying the laser module is rotatable about first and second orthogonal axes. The laser module is also rotatable relative to the turret about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A reference tool comprising: a light source; a base for supporting the light source, said light source being rotatable relative to said base about three orthogonal axes; an attachment mechanism for attaching the base to a vertical surface; and means for orienting the light source, wherein the light source is movable relative to the base in a direction parallel to the vertical surface.
2. A reference tool comprising: a light source; a base for supporting the light source, said light source being rotatable relative to said base about three orthogonal axes; an attachment mechanism for attaching the base to a vertical surface; means for orienting the light source; and a mechanism for moving the light source relative to the base in a linear direction.
3. The reference tool of claim 2 wherein the mechanism for moving the light source includes a screw mounted such that rotation of the screw moves the light source in the linear direction.
4. The reference tool of claim 3 wherein said mechanism for moving the light source is in a housing, said housing supporting a turret, said turret being pivotably mounted to said housing.
5. The reference tool of claim 4 wherein said turret includes a first portion pivotably mounted on a second portion, said second portion supporting said light source.
6. The reference tool of claim 5 wherein said light source is pivotably mounted relative to said second portion.
7. The reference tool of claim 3 wherein the screw is manually operated.
8. A reference tool comprising: a light source; a base for supporting the light source on a surface, said light source is movable relative to the base in any direction parallel to said surface.
9. The reference tool of claim 8 wherein the light source is a laser.
10. The reference tool of claim 8 wherein the light source projects a plane of light.
11. The reference tool of claim 8 further including a means for orienting the light source.
12. A reference tool comprising: a light source; a base for supporting the light source on a vertical surface, said light source is movable relative to the base in a direction parallel to said vertical surface and is rotatable relative to said base about three orthogonal axes; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the base to said vertical surface.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
September 12, 2005
May 27, 2008
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